Rotary, police host National Night Out on Aug. 4

The Monroe Rotary Club and the Monroe Police Department are gearing up for this year's National Night Out Against Crime (NNO) event, which will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Lake Tye Park (14964 Fryelands Blvd.) in Monroe.

Vendors are still needed to participate in the event. Booth costs are $75 for businesses and $35 for nonprofits. Volunteer opportunities exist as well.-á

A collaboration between the Rotary and the police department, Monroe's National Night Out event is the largest in the valley. Last year's NNO was attended by nearly 5,000 people, with a total of 68 vendor booths. Rotarian Sally Petty has served as the NNO project manager since 2009, stepping in to help save the event when it seemed doomed due to financial constraints.-á -á

Petty was honored by Monroe Police Chief Tim Quenzer earlier this year for her dedication to the event.

This year's NNO event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature numerous demonstrations from the police and fire departments, including K9, crime prevention, DUI goggles and car seat safety. First responder displays will include a police car, fire truck and medic unit, and kids will get the opportunity to meet both McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog.

Free food will be served during the event, including hot dogs, pizza, cookies and other refreshments. Family-friendly activities will include face-painting, a scavenger hunt, bouncy houses, a photo booth and more.

Jerry "Big DogGÇ¥ Dixon will serve as the event emcee, and the National Anthem will be performed by Lauren Marks.-á

NNO is a nationwide event that boasts participation in 16,124 communities across all 50 states. Meant to promote community advocacy and police-community partnerships, NNO was founded in 1984.

For more information on volunteering or having a vendor booth, email Sally Petty at SPETT2@amfam.com.